Energy transition, a true vitamin cocktail for the local economy!

In its study “Economic impact of the energy transition at local level”, Energy Cities identified mechanisms through which energy transition measures stimulate the local economy.

Local authorities will find different approaches to assess and describe the economic and social benefits of their energy and climate policies.

The study is based on six case studies: five European local authorities (Brussels Capital, Copenhagen, Hanover, Kirklees and Paris Ile-de-France) and one US local authority (Nolan County). The analyses cover several areas: energy retrofitting of buildings, energy efficiency, renewable energy, cleantech, mobility, water treatment and waste management.

One example is that of Hanover (Germany), which created the proKlima fund in 1998 to finance climate protection action. Energy Cities reports the results of the input-output analysis carried out by the Pestel Institute to measure the impact of proKlima on the regional and national economies as well as the leverage effect of subsidies. The adjacent graph is a foretaste! (Click on the image to enlarge it.)

This work is, however, just the first step of a reflection Energy Cities would like to continue further in 2015 with a small team of network members and economic experts. Let us know if you are interested to be part of it!

The study is available in French and in English on request (free of charge for Energy Cities’ members).